Abstract
Place matters: where we live, work, study and play is critically important for health, and more so for children. Research clearly demonstrates that children growing up in communities that suffer from economic and social disadvantage are more likely to experience health problems and shortened life spans. Children of color are disproportionately represented in these communities, yet they are a growing share of the population. To address this looming health crisis, policymakers should focus on improving children’s health opportunities, with a geographic lens. This talk will summarize research on the negative effects of racial and socioeconomic segregation on health, and highlight some of the challenges and opportunities in applying research to policy and practice to address health inequities and improve health opportunities.
Given that neighborhoods powerfully shape health, research suggests that solutions can be found in improving community conditions, mitigating negative health influences, and improving housing and housing options for people living in poor neighborhoods. Indeed, a new generation of place-based initiatives is emerging that 1) coordinates and leverages the work of multiple sectors; 2) assesses and draws upon sources of resiliency and social capital in communities, 3) involves community members as full stakeholders in establishing priorities and in guiding policy, and 4) engages and involves a range of partners, not just government agencies, although government often has had an important role in helping to instigate such initiatives. Importantly, these strategies require convergent partnerships, and are synergistic—that is, each step builds upon the success of preceding programs and strategies.
|
